Israeli Opposition Parties Strategize Netanyahu's Ouster
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli opposition parties in the "change bloc" are strategizing to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the elections, but differ on methods. A key initial step agreed upon is ousting the current Knesset Speaker. However, parties diverge on forming a future government, with some favoring a "Zionist" majority and others open to minority governments or relying on Arab party support. Avigdor Lieberman advocates for a 61-seat "Zionist" majority or new elections, while Gadi Eisenkot is open to a minority government and gradual coalition expansion. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly removed past security-related publications.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli opposition parties are developing strategies to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the elections.
- Parties in the "change bloc" agree on ousting the current Knesset Speaker as a first step.
- Disagreements exist within the opposition on forming a future government, particularly regarding reliance on Arab parties.
- Avigdor Lieberman insists on a "Zionist" majority government or new elections.
- Gadi Eisenkot is open to a minority government and gradually expanding the coalition.
- Lieberman's party plans to promote a "defendant's law" to bar Netanyahu from future elections.
Parties within Israel's "change bloc" are developing strategies to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the upcoming elections, according to Ynet. While united in their goal to unseat him, the parties differ on how to achieve this. Some factions are open to relying on Arab parties for support in forming a government, while others prefer to secure their backing for government formation and then attempt to broaden the coalition with "Zionist" Knesset members, or alternatively, call for new elections. A third group rejects both approaches.
Despite these disagreements, the "change bloc" parties are considering various scenarios for a power transition, even if they fail to secure the 61 mandates needed to form a government. A broad consensus appears to exist on a first step: ousting the current Knesset Speaker. Supporters of this plan aim to form a parliamentary majority immediately after the elections to elect a new speaker from the "change bloc" before the next government is established. This would empower opposition parties to influence the Knesset's agenda and advance legislative initiatives, even if Netanyahu remains as caretaker prime minister. Such initiatives could include a law to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th tragedy, or a bill limiting a prime minister to two terms.
However, consensus breaks down regarding the composition and formation of a future government. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, advocates for a government based on a 61-seat "Zionist" majority, excluding Arab parties. If this is not achievable, he favors new elections. Lieberman's party also intends to promote a "defendant's law" to prevent Netanyahu from running in future elections, though its constitutionality is uncertain given a prior Supreme Court ruling allowing an indicted prime minister to serve. Lieberman explicitly rejects minority governments, even temporary ones.
In contrast, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yachad party, is willing to consider a minority government if no bloc achieves 61 mandates. His plan involves first replacing the Knesset Speaker, then attempting to form a government without Netanyahu, and gradually expanding the coalition by attracting members from the current majority, particularly from Likud. Eisenkot anticipates that Knesset members will decide independently whether to support his candidacy, without seeking help from Arab parties or the ultra-Orthodox.
Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly removed publications related to a national security concept presentation from October 18, 2026, including a news item from his office's website and a YouTube video.
